According to Genesis Women’s Shelter And Support’s Director of Communications Jenna Severson,
“In the United States, one in four women will experience abuse by an intimate partner in their lifetime – in Texas, that number is one in three. Abuse knows no age, race, sexual orientation, location, educational background, religion, and is driven by a need for power and control over someone. Whether it’s physical, financial, emotional, spiritual, mental or sexual abuse, there are countless seen and unseen ways abusers make women and children feel like there is no help or hope.
“At Genesis Women’s Shelter And Support, we walk alongside each woman and child on their healing journey by offering an array of services tailored to address trauma and restore a sense of empowerment, at no cost and with no strings attached. Across Dallas, we have two non-residential facilities where clients can receive treatment like counseling, advocacy, childcare, occupational therapy and legal services, as well as our safe campus which is home to an emergency shelter, on-site school and transitional housing for families rebuilding their lives away from abuse.
“We are always looking to address potential barriers to accessing services, so in 2022 we opened Genesis at South Oak Cliff. This non-residential facility is based in 75216, Dallas County’s highest reported zip code of domestic violence. Genesis at South Oak Cliff provides the same no-cost counseling, advocacy and childcare while reducing transportation challenges that could prevent women and children in the area from seeking help.
“Genesis does not solicit government funding, so all the trauma-informed care our team provides is solely thanks to the incredible generosity of our community. Each donation we receive is a pledge to stand against abuse and reaffirms to the over 3,500 women and children reaching out to Genesis each year that they are not alone.
“Over the past ten years Genesis has participated in North Texas Giving Day, the support we have received has allowed us to expand and enhance our resources to address barriers preventing women and children from healing. This year, we are raising funds through North Texas Giving Day to address the intersection of domestic violence and food insecurity, which can be caused by financial abuse, food deprivation or weaponization. In addition to high rates of domestic violence, the 75216 zip code also reports high levels of food insecurity due to understocked grocery stores that limit access to nutritious foods like fresh produce. This lack of resources can lead to long-term health issues and when coupled with abuse, increases trauma symptoms that can have generational consequences.
“Funds raised from Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day will allow us to fill our pantries and distribute nutritious foods in South Oak Cliff that provide women with the power to choose foods that fit their unique situations. When paired with the domestic violence services at Genesis, addressing food insecurity can ultimately improve health and wellness for the clients we serve. This year, help us break the cycle of violence and disparity experienced by women and children in abusive households.”
* Photo credit: Rachyl Nix ** Graphic/photos provided by Genesis Women’s Shelter
In 15 years, Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day has pumped more than $566 million into the North Texas community. In 2023, more than $63.9 million was raised through 97,000 donors benefiting 3,249 area nonprofits.
On Thursday, September 19, support Genesis Women’s Shelter And Support by clicking here and spreading the word. #NorthTexasGivingDay2024